Best Gaming Headsets

Last Updated : December 14, 2017

November 1, 2016 : Reworked the table of contents to ease navigation and added 2 models

August 11, 2016 : updated a few prices and sorted out a comment issue. All comments should now go through without any problem.

March 6, 2016 : added 5 models and prices updates

February 13, 2016 : added 6 models and minor mistakes corrected

January 17, 2016 : added a table of contents and 2 models

December 4, 2015 : added table and price updated

The best gaming headsets for 2017 : the ultimate guide

Gaming headsets raised in popularity over the last decade thanks to recent technology achievements that benefit a gamer during his playtime : better soundstage, better mic and better comfort. With the right headset, you gaming experience can be raised to a whole new level ! With so many different headset models and brands on the market, we understand that it is not an easy task to find the best headset for your gaming sessions. You want to choose the one with the best features and sound quality but have you ever wondered if it is being priced for what it actually is rather than what it is being marketed for ?

Feeling confused with these headset choices promising similar features? Don’t worry, we have been through all the hassle and here we reviewed and compared not less than 20 gaming headsets and there will be more as we update this post. Our goal is to provide you with an always up-to-date list of the best gaming headsets, whatever your budget is : we reviewed headsets from the lowest price to the highest. We have reviewed their features and the aspects that make them stand out as the best. Discover what are the best headsets for gaming of all time and how to pick one that will bring your gamer life to a whole new level.

Best cheap gaming headsets under 50

These are the least expensive headsets for gaming. There are correct models but most of them are using low-end materials and the sound quality is not the priority here, it's the price. The mic is the part of the headset that tend to suffer the most from the price reduction : from all the low-budget headsets we reviewed, we found only one with a decent mic. ​These models are also more fragile and without any special capability.The Sentey Arches and the Logitech G230 dominate the competition here, their features and the build quality they offer is way above what other gaming headsets under 50 have to offer. If you are serious about your gaming experience, you might want to check our mid-range gaming headsets list.

Best mid-range gaming headsets under 100

​This price range is where you will find most models. There are some pretty decent headsets that will satisfy most casual gamers and you can even put your hands on 7.1 gaming headsets. All models are wired and the sound quality is decent. You can find headsets with an excellent value but if you are serious about your gaming experience, you will have to look for pricier models.

Best mid-range gaming headsets under 200

At this price range, you can find really excellent models. ​Some gamers headset under 200 have a really impressive sound quality. The mic as well benefits from the overall better build quality. If you are serious about improving your gaming level through a complete in-game immersion, you will certainly find what you need in this price range.

Best high-end gaming headsets

These are the top of the top gaming headsets. Their price is undoubtedly high but they are the best the technology has to offer. You will find the best wireless headset and the best sound quality in these expensive headsets. They are premium and use premium materials, you can forget the cheap plastic and the fragile feeling here : these headsets are rabost and made to last. If you want the highest level of immersion and comfort when you are gaming and you don't mind paying the extra amount of money, you will find the gaming headset you want here.

Our gaming headsets reviews

Gaming headsets under 50​ reviews

Sentey Arches GS-4731, the best gaming headset under 50

The Sentey Arches 7.1 Digital is really good gaming headset with an incredible value. They are fairly priced, have a good sound quality and a very attractive look. They come in two colors : black/red and white/red, classic but efficient !

They are made of plastic and at the opposite of other cheap heasets in this price range, they look and feel robust. They are also extremely comfortable thanks to their huge ear cups and adjustable headband. Even with glasses, you will not feel any discomfort.

The sound quality is great for a cheap headset like this, you will love the booming bass they produce as it vibrates the whole headset. They feature a virtual 7.1 sound that immerse you completely in your game. They are compatible with PS4, Xbox One, PCs and MACs but the virtual 7.1 sound will work only on PCs. On P and Xbox One, the GS-4730 will work in 2.0 mode.

The microphone integrated into the left ear cup is adjustable and features a red light on the tip to quickly let you know if it's muted or not. One important note : the mic is omnidirectional, something you will rarely find on headsets for gaming in this price range.

They feature ​a vibrating function that synchronize with the bass : Vibration Intelligent 4D Extreme Bass. That means they will vibrate every time you shoot in an FPS or whenever there is a bass sound coming up !

In terms of connectivity, these gaming headphones are 100% USB. They will work only on USB enabled devices. They feature an integrated in-line remote that allows you to adjust the sound volume and turn ON and OFF the microphone.

Sentey Arches verdict

If you are looking for reasonably priced gaming headphones that are comfortable and robust, the Arches are a good choice. They feature an omnidirectional microphone, are extremely comfortable and have a good sound quality for their price. They are the best you can find in this price range.

Logitech G230, one of the best gaming headsets under 50

Anyone who knows a thing or two about PC gaming knows and loves Logitech. They produce almost every piece of the PC gaming equipment you could think of. Also, their products always come at a good price for merchandise with such high quality. An example of that quality at a low price is the model we are speaking of, the G230 ; a cheap gaming headset that comes in two colors: black and red.

The thing you notice first is that these gaming headphones are really light for that size. Anyone who is used to using a headset while playing can remember that he had a tough time focusing due to the weight of the headset, as well as the fact that they keep slipping. That is not the case with this model. Logitech made sure to make this model slimmer so that it has a stable fit. But be aware, all this makes the model less durable, which means that there is a high risk of breaking it with any kind of trauma.

These headphones are made for gaming. Do not expect to have a perfect bass while listening to music, because they are primarily oriented towards in-game experience. However, their sound quality when playing a game is superb. The sound is clear and precise, and their sensitivity (90dB SPL/mW) towards various sounds is decent. Also, the mic is really good compared to others in this price range and has a noise-cancelling feature. This sure does come handy when you're on TeamSpeak and you don't want your comrades to hear the background noise.

The cable length – now that's something : 10 feet long! How awesome is that? You don't have to sit with your head 10 inches away from your monitor. This is a great thing when it comes to non-wireless headsets. People are going for wireless more often because they are tired of dealing with short cables. But with wired headphones you don't need to worry about battery life, you can just sit tight and enjoy the game for as much as you like.

Logitech G230 verdict

Overall, this is one pretty decent headset for gaming under $50. What you will enjoy the most about it is its cable length and its sound quality. They look good, they feel good and they are cheap. Logitech is providing us with an excellent value headset that will please most gamers.

Etekcity Scroll H5GX, the cheapest headset for gaming

The Etekcity Scroll H5GX is the cheapest of our list. It has a microphone with a nice retractable feature and it's really lightweight. This gaming headset is quite comfortable regarding its price : it doesn’t hurt your ears or provide an uneasy pressure that many other headset do. This is a big plus.

The build quality is, of course, cheap : the H5GX is made of cheap plastic and feels fragile. It's normal when you look at its price and the H5GX has a few arguments to shine compared to the others : the design is good and it has a nice LED light-up feature. The red logo and the red circle situated on the ear cups will shine if you plug in the USB cable.

In term of connectivity, this headset is only compatible with PCs and MACs. It will not work on PS4 or ﻿﻿Xbox One but it can be used as a normal pair of headphones with the 3.5mm jack port on other devices. There are 2 jack connectors : one for the mic and the other for the sound. The USB connector is here only to power the LEDs.

The sound produced by this cheap headset is decent. Nothing amazing but enough for casual gamers that just want to try a headset without spending a fortune.

Etekcity Scroll H5GX verdict

All in all, they are aesthetically pleasing and they work well. The retractable feature on the microphone is a nice touch. If you are a casual gamer and you are on a budget, go for it, they have a great value and will be enough to have a taste of immersion when gaming.

Sentey Symph GS-4531, cheap headset with virtual 7.1 sound

Sentey gave us another gaming headset that promises to make your gaming experience unique. The Sentey Symph GS-4531 works with Pc, Mac and PS4, so you can enjoy playing wherever you prefer. It has a great design and comes in black color with red details. The packaging also includes a pouch for storage, and even a door hanger that says "Not Now I am Gaming!"

Featuring noise cancelling technology, this headset allows you to dive deep into your gaming without getting distracted by the noise around you. The actual sound quality is great! The sound is rich, clear and full, especially considering how affordable this headset is. The Sentey Symph GS-4531 also comes with a retractable microphone, which produces a very clear sound that's impressive and exceeds all expectations! It really takes multiplayer games to a whole new level. However, even though you can turn the microphone off, there isn't an indicator to show you whether it is on or off, so you need to test it to make sure.

The Sentey Symph GS-4531 features an in-line remote control for all the basic functions: audio mute, mic mute and volume up & down. The remote is a little bigger than usual, but it is still very light and easy to use so its size is not really a problem. Another great feature of this headset is its red led lights that are turned on once you plug the headset in! They really make it look unique and add to its great design. The only negative about the lights is probably the fact that there should be an option to turn them off if you want.

This headset is also very comfortable to wear! Its leather headband and leather padded ear pads provide extreme comfort, so you can wear it for many hours without any problems. The Sentey Symph GS-4531 has a very sturdy built too, but without letting this get in the way of it being very light. In fact, it is light as a feather, so it's really comfortable in every way possible! Additionally, it has a very long cord that allows you to play a game or take a skype call without having to worry about going too far while wearing it. If there's extra length that you don't need, the packaging also includes a velcro cable tie!

Sentey Symph GS-4531 verdict

Overall, Sentey did a great job with this product. If you want a gaming headset with great sound, design, and built at a low price, the Sentey Symph GS-4531 is truly one of the best options on the market. It doesn't have any remarkable flaws and you won't be disappointed.

Kotion Each G9000, cheap and versatile

The Kotion Each G9000 is primarily a gaming headset, but can be used with most other devices for general purposes : Mac, PS4, Smartphones etc. Notably, to connect to an Xbox One, an adapter is to be purchased, which is sold separately.

The first thing you'd notice about the headset is its sleek design. Visually, it is a treat to the eyes, with the LED lights and it's contrasting colors. The headset is available in two variants : Black/Red and Black/Blue. It is equipped with a USB and an Aux port, the USB primarily functioning as a power source for the LEDs

As far as a superficial check is concerned, it is a near perfect fit, with the earmuffs and the padding providing support, and since the frame is adjustable, the fitting probably will not trouble an average person. This is definitely a plus, simply because gaming headsets are usually required for long sessions, and any small issue will cause a lot of discomfort at a later point. The build is sturdy, which seems to withstand a decent amount of pressure.

The microphone, however, seems to be a little stiff while moving up and down. There is a controller, with a round knob for volume, along with a switch for mic on/off. Although this feature is quite handy more often than not, it definitely is a little bulky, and adds to the weight when you turn around while the headset is on. The wire deserves a special mention, simply for the glossy coat finish that is provided. Not only does this give the earphones a more aesthetic appeal, it also protects the wire from excessive wear and tear.

The sound quality is pretty good, delivers more than what is expected of any gaming headset in this price range. It handles bass very well, scoring decently on the mids and the highs as well. Crisp, clear sound in any piece of music. The Microphone, however, took a few tries to get configured to my PC. When I eventually did configure it, it did disappoint a little bit : the sound produced is not really good.

Kotion Each G9000 verdict

Priced under $30, this definitely seems like a decent buy for the price. Sturdy build, ergonomic design, and a well above average sound quality work in favor of the headset. If are not concerned about the microphone quality, it is a good choice for any avid gamer looking for some extra functionality and versatility from their headset

Gaming headsets under 100 reviews

Kingston HyperX Cloud II, the best gamers headset under $100

The HyperX Cloud I﻿I is a gaming headset created by Kingston Technology. It's compatible with PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One and mobile, so it can match all your needs. It also has a very stylish design and comes in three colors for every taste: black, white with pink details, and black with red details. The package includes the headphones, a USB controller cord, a second pair of ear cups, a dual 3.5 jack adapter, the microphone, and a bag to carry them.

The sound of the HyperX Cloud II is very impressive. The headset features a new USB sound card that really makes a difference; you can hear everything that's going on in the game. It's also one of the best noise cancelling headsets you can find, so you don't have to stop enjoying your game even if there's a lot of noise around you. The microphone is really good too. It produces clear voice reproduction, it cancels noise and you don't have to worry about people not hearing you when you’re playing or taking a call. On top of that, the microphone is detachable, so you can just detach it if you don't want to use it.

This headset is also very light and comfortable. As mentioned before, it comes with two different pairs of ear cups: leatherette cups and velour cups. This not only allows you to choose the ones that makes you feel more comfortable when wearing your headset, but it also allows you to choose based on the sound that you prefer. If you want to only focus on the game, the leatherette cups provide the great noise cancellation, whereas if you want to be able to hear your environment, you can just use the velour ones instead!

The HyperX Cloud II is also extremely easy to use, as it doesn't require any software or set-up, so all you have to do is plug it in to your PC or the bottom of your controller and start playing! The controls are very easy to use too, and you can control the volume of both the sound and the microphone. However, the fact that the controls are on the cord might seem inconvenient to those who are used to on-headset buttons, but that's entirely a matter of taste.

Kingston HyperX Cloud II verdict

The HyperX Cloud II is one of the best gaming headsets for the money. It performs great in terms of gaming and microphone sound, it's comfortable, and it has a great built and design. It's also very affordable, considering the great features that it has and the prices of its competitors.

Razer Kraken 7.1, the best mic quality under 100

The Razer Kraken 7.1 is another great gaming headset by Razer, featuring an advanced virtual surround sound engine. It's compatible with PC and Mac with USB port, but also with PS4, and it promises to immerse you deeper into the game. It comes in black color and it is foldable, so it's extremely easy to carry or travel with.

One of the first things you notice is the great design. It's simple, yet high quality. The leatherette ear cups are very soft and comfortable, for endless hours of gaming! They are also foldable, which is useful for storage and carry. The ear muffs feature the Razer logo with a blue light, but if you want a little extra touch, you can go for the Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma version. For $10 more, the Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma allows you to personalize the color of the light! You can choose one of the lighting effects that are preloaded, or even create your own custon palette of colors, whatever matches your personal taste!

This headset produces great sound quality. With a 360 degrees virtual surround sound simulation, it can really make you feel like you're part of the game! It also does a great job with noise cancelling, so you can focus on the game as much as you want to. Like other Razer products, the Razer Kraken 7.1 also allows you to customize the sound however you prefer, by using the Razer Synapse 2.0 software. Once you've changed the sound settings the way you like, you won't be disappointed and you'll be able to make the most out of your gaming experience!

Another great feature of the Razer Kraken 7.1 is its enhanced digital microphone. It's certainly one of the best gaming headset microphones; you can really hear the difference between this one and a traditional analog microphone, it's actually impressive. The voice reproduction is clear and it sounds almost like a professional microphone. There's a button that allows you to mute it and it also has a LED light on it, so you can see when it's turned off. It's easily adjustable and you can retract it, which makes the headset even easier to carry.

Razer Kraken 7.1 verdict

The Razer Kraken 7.1 is a great quality gaming headset for this price range. It gives you the ultimate personalized sound experience, the comfort you need from a headset and it has a unique design that can't stay unnoticed. This headset proves once again that Razer has a very good understanding of the gamers' needs.

Corsair Gaming H2100, affordable wireless gaming headset

The Corsair H2100 is a wireless gaming headset by Corsair, and it is made to give you the ultimate freedom of movement while playing. This headset is compatible with PC with USB port, and it comes in a packaging that also includes a wireless USB adapter, an extension cable and a charging cable. It has a simple but nice design and it comes in black color with yellow details. The Corsair H2100 also features a blue light that blinks when the headset is on, and an amber charge light that starts flashing to indicate low battery.

Obviously, the battery life is an important part of wireless products. Corsair promises that the battery of this headset lasts for 10 hours and it does actually come very close to that, so you can use it for many hours of wireless gaming! Its range is very good too! You can walk about 20 feet away without any problem, but this depends on how charged the battery is as well. You certainly won't feel restricted though; you can still move freely and enjoy your game.

The Corsair H2100 is also extremely comfortable to wear. It has microfiber-wrapped ear pads and a padded headband that provides comfort and allows it to stay on your head securely. You really won't get tired from wearing them, even after marathon gaming sessions! Additionally, it has a sturdy construction that really feels high quality and will make you think that it's more expensive than it actually is.

When it comes to sound quality, this is a great headset for its price range. It has a very clear and accurate sound, and with its 7.1 Dolby surround system, you don't have to worry about missing any sounds of the game. Even more than usual, as you can actually hear if someone is behind you in the game, which is really impressive! The only flaw in the sound is probably the slightly low bass, but the overall quality is still strong.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the microphone, as it tends to be static and quiet, even in full volume. Also, it's a bit loose and hard to adjust, which might contribute to its kind of disappointing sound, too. Another negative about this product is the power button that makes the headset a little hard to turn on sometimes.

Corsair Gaming H2100 verdict

In conclusion, the Corsair H2100 is a decent product for its price, with its main problem being its microphone. However, it's certainly one of the most affordable wireless gaming headsets, without sacrificing the quality of the sound and the built.

SteelSeries Siberia V2, unique design and excellent performances

The SteelSeries Siberia V2 is another gaming headset by SteelSeries, a company that has created many great and unique gaming products in the past. This headset is compatible with PC and it optionally runs with a software that allows you to change the settings. Besides the headset, the package also includes a long extension cord, so you don't have to worry about the cord being too short for the way you want to use it.

One of the best things about this headset is its stylish design. It's not only pretty, but it also comes in many different colors and color combinations: black, black and gold, black and red, blue, frost blue, heat orange, orange, red, white, and yellow. With so many colors, it's guaranteed that you'll find the one you really like! It also features blue LED lights and you can very easily adjust the way you want them to glow.

The SteelSeries Siberia V2 has a great fit too, it's extremely light and comfortable, and you can wear it for many hours without even noticing. With its headband, it adjusts to your head immediately every time you put it on, which is very convenient and helps the headset feel even more lightweight. It has a nice built too, and it is very sturdy; it doesn't seem fragile at all. Its volume and microphone control is located on the cord and the great thing is that it's not easy to hit any of the buttons by accident.

In terms of sound quality, the SteelSeries Siberia V2 performs very well. While playing, it allows you to listen to your enemies before they're able to sneak up on you, which is obviously important for a gaming headset. However, sometimes it tends to blur the sounds together when a lot of things are happening at once, but that's not such big of a problem. Overall it has a crystal-clear sound, it's noise cancelling and it makes the game come to life and helps you enjoy it to the maximum. This is also the case with the microphone. It's sensitive, loud and clear, and it will save you from the frustration of having to repeat things multiple times, as people will be able to hear you and understand you perfectly.

Steelseries Siberia V2 verdict

Overall, the SteelSeries Siberia V2 is one of the best products of its category and price range. Featuring great audio and microphone, a nice built and a unique design, this gaming headset is a great and affordable option for every gamer.

Logitech G35, great sounding mid-range headset for gamers

Another gaming headset by Logitech, this one is called Logitech G35 and features 7.1 Dolby Surround sound. It comes in black color and the package also includes three headband pads, so you can choose the one that you prefer. It's compatible with PC and Mac, and requires internet connection in case you want to download the software.

The moment you start using this headset you realize how great the sound is. It's easy to adjust and very clear, even better than expected, especially for such a low price. The ear cups fit well over the ear, and you can hear everything in the game, even things you can't really see! It also blocks the unnecessary background noise pretty well, and overall it does its job well and provides an immersive gaming experience.

The microphone is very impressive too. The voice reproduction is accurate and clear, which really adds to the whole gaming experience! Another great microphone feature is the voice changers that come with the software. It also has a glowing indicator light that shows you when it is muted. Turning off the microphone is extremely easy too, you just have to put it in the upright position; a great feature that more gaming headsets should have.

The Logitech G35 has also very easy to use controls. You can quickly mute the microphone and adjust volume or surround sound, as well as customize the three G-keys that are located on the left ear cup. That way, you don't have to lose time or get mixed up with multiple controls, you can just choose the ones you use more often and enjoy the game.

When it comes to comfort and built, these might be its biggest flaws. Even though you can change the headband pad to choose the best fit, this headset is still kind of uncomfortable, mainly because of its heavy weight. Another negative about the Logitech G35 is its built. It seems that the quality of the construction is certainly not the best you can find in a headset, as it is very fragile and easy to break, especially the part that holds the ear cups.

Logitech G35 verdict

In conclusion, the Logitech G35 is a very affordable choice for those who are looking for a gaming headset. With the great sound and microphone quality it offers, you can enjoy playing without distractions. However, it lacks in comfort and built quality, especially considering how other headsets of this price range perform in those departments.

Logitech Wireless Gaming G930

The Logitech Wireless Gaming G930 headset deserves this spot in the best gaming headset list for its remarkable features, excellent performance and an affordable price. Though not versatile, the G930 is a headset that you can pick if you are a PC (Windows) player. Mac users can not enjoy the 7.1 surround but if you are fine with stereo quality then G930 can be used for your gaming.

With a complete black look except for few red dial switches on its ear cups, the G930 is designed for comfort. It has a flip down microphone and the mute control is on the left ear cup, allowing you to mute the microphone when needed. The volume controls are also available on the ear cups along with three other customizable buttons. Unlike the H Wireless, the G930 are not equipped with a swappable battery system. They come with a micro USB port on the ear-cup which you should wire with to charge your headset. So when the charge drains, you may have to give up the luxury of being wireless.

Yet G930 can boast as wireless and can deliver good sound quality. With a range of 40ft, the G930 can work well for your wireless gaming needs with a 10 hours autonomy. The transmitter is again an all-black USB device that you can fit in any USB port. The hub that hosts this transmitter comes with two other long cables for connecting you with your PC and for charging your headset. The G930 delivers great audio with its 7.1 surround sound and lag free wireless technology.

Logitech Wireless Gaming G930 : final thoughts

All in all, the G930 headset can be an excellent gaming headset for PC gamers if you are not looking at sophistication and versatility. They are not as pricey as the H wireless or the 363D and deserve your attention if you are on a tight budget.

Plantronics RIG

If you are looking for one of the best gaming headset that is affordable then Platronics RIG will make a good choice. Priced below other premium gaming headsets, the RIG gaming headset is made for multiple platforms and functions. The RIG is compatible with PC/Mac, Xbox 360, PS3/4, Smartphones and tablets. What makes the RIG stand out besides of its price is its ability to mix your gaming sessions with mobile features. The RIG is designed with a mixer and when it’s connected to your phone, it will allow you to take calls without disturbing your game, with just one touch.

The RIG is a simple and comfortable headset that looks completely plain with circular ear cups padded with large memory foam. The headband is designed to apply the minimum pressure on your head, enhancing the comfort. There are no controls in the headset and there is just one single port on the left ear cup that can be connected with any one of the two cables that RIG has. One cable is attached with boom microphone and is for gaming purpose and the other cable has an in-line microphone with Smartphone controls that will allow the headset to be used along with your Smartphone.

As mentioned, the Plantronics RIG is packed with a mixer that connects and mixes your Smartphone with game audio. The main volume controls and microphone muting controls sit on the mixer and are very functional. The RIG delivers a good sound but there are no surround effects like the H Wireless or PC 363D headsets. For this price, the sound quality is pretty decent and will please music lovers. There are three EQ profiles (Pure, Intensify, and Seismic) you can choose from to tune the sound according to your taste.

Plantronics RIG : final thoughts

The RIG can be a good choice for a gaming headset regarding its price. As the ATH-PDG1, if you are looking for a headset that can function as headphones with your Smartphone/tablets, they are an excellent choice with a good price/performance ratio.

Gaming headsets under 200 reviews

Astro Gaming A40 TR, the best headset a gamer can find under 200

The Astro A40 TR is arguably one of the best gaming headsets in the market today, garnering the best of reviews for its audio quality and performance. It has been praised by critics high and wide, and has also been a major selling to those wishing for a high-end gaming headset

The A40 is primarily a modular headset, which means that every component of the same is customisable. Right from the earmuffs, the head band, the microphone, everything can be replaced with accessories in the Mod Kit that can be purchased separately. All components are majorly magnetic, and can be replaced with ease. The microphone can be placed on the right, or the left side, making microphone use convenient. The build is sturdy, solid, and smooth. The Mod Kit also consists of leather earmuffs, and changeable ear panels, which switch the experience from the default of an open ear system, where there is more awareness to the surroundings, a larger soundstage, to a more immersive experience with the leather muffs, and a closed ear panel.

The A40 also comes with the the Mixer Amplifier, tht manages the volume externally. This gives the option of choosing between Dolby Digital 5.1 and 7.1, or other modes such as Bass Boost or the default, the Astro mode. This is usually interfaced with the console, and the earphone is connected to the MixAmp. The MixAmp also has a smaller knob to control how much of game volume or chat volume you'd want to listen, which is a big plus for any gamer. The microphone is isolating, and is of the best quality. This can also be switched for a boom mike,

The sound quality is the best available under $200. Absolutely no qualms whatsoever, performs very well on all levels, and is all encompassing. The equalizer can be adjusted for various levels, highly bass receptive, can be switched to accommodate more game volume. In a nutshell, the sound in this case is highly customizable, according to your needs as an audiophile, or a gamer, or casual listening.

Astro Gaming A40 verdict

Fairly price for this quality, this is not your ordinary mid segment headset. The A40 performs way beyond its capabilities, and hence, it truly is one of the best gaming headsets you can buy today, competing with the most expensive high-end headsets for gamers.

Sennheiser Game One, great headset under $200

The Sennheiser Game One is an upgrade over the Sennheiser Game Zero in most aspects, be it build quality, or audio.

The Game One is a wired headset, available in the two colour schemes, black/red and white/red. It doesn't involve a lot of components, just the headset as far as the box is concerned. There is a provision for the headphone and the audio input plugs, both of which are coloured. The cord is quite long, and hence, it can be moved around with ease. The coating on the Game One is a better variety of plastic, which is a boon in the long run.

This time, Sennheiser has cleaned up the surface of the headset, and this has resulted in the removal of the extra ridges along the surface of the ear cups. The volume knob is attached on one side of the headset, which makes controlling the volume easy. The microphone is flexible, but is a little bulky. It can be moved up and down, and to mute it, all you have to do is move the microphone all the way up until you hear a click sound. The earphone padding is velvet, and is extremely soft. The head band also is made of the same material, and takes away all of the clamp force. It fits beautifully, and is extremely comfortable. The headset in itself is very flexible, and can be twisted and bent without damaging any components. The headphones are open ear, which means that the noise cancellation is sacrificed, and the surroundings are more audible. This also increases the air flow, and hence, causes the ears to be a lot less sweaty in long sessions. The microphone is quite clear in response.

The sound quality is crisp and clear. Since these are the open variety of headphones, this allows a bigger soundstage, with depth in the minute sounds. You understand where any sound is emanating from with perfect sense. The bass response is excellent, the reverberations are on point, but the immersive experience is sacrificed. That doesn't seem like much of an issue, given the increased output quality.

Sennheiser Game One verdict

The Game One is on of the best gamers headset under 200 and definitely delivers according to what is expected of a Sennheiser. It may seem a bit expensive but the game one will give you a rich experience, with a large soundstage, an excellent mic and comfortable ear pads.

Logitech G933 & G633, excellent mid-range headset with Dolby 7.1

The Logitech G933 is primarily available in two separate setups, the Wireless and Wired. The Wired setup is retailing as the G633, but to the fullest possible extent, the only difference between both the headsets is only the setup.

The G933 is a pretty functional gaming headset, that comes shipped along with little else but the headset. What also accompanies it are standard cables for connectivity. Nothing much from that end, which is an advantage. Lesser components, easier use

Physical check, and the G933 looks gorgeous. It has an ergonomic design, beautiful detail, and the ear cups have the feature of a lighting strip, colours of which can be customised. While this adds to the aesthetic sense of the headset, it doesn't interact with the in game features, such as glowing red when a player's health is low. This would've definitely been something amazing, and we hope to see it in future versions of the headset. There are buttons placed along the back of the left ear cup. One is to mute the microphone, which seems pretty unnecessary, because the microphone can be moved all the way back to fit in snugly and mute it. While we're at the microphone, it can be extended at the tip, and is flexible to use. It has a mini LED light to indicate whether or not it has been muted, and this falls under the peripheral vision. Back to the buttons, there is a volume knob, that can be rotated quickly for a larger change in the volume, or can be moved in precision of two steps each. There are three G buttons that can be customised for use, but are unnecessary, because they're tough to reach, and also to use.

The sound quality is excellent, with perfect bass response, high treble, more immersive experiences. The software that comes shipped with the headset allows you to work with the headset sound profile, and customising it, with the add on feature of Dolby 7.1. This drains out the finer details of sound.

Logitech G933 and G633 verdict

This headset is a must buy for a fairly decent price, robust build, and an excellent comprehensive performance. The wireless version is more expensive than the wired one but this is the price of liberty ! You can't go wrong grabbing this headset for your gaming sessions.

Sennheiser Game Zero, great design and comfortable headset for gaming

The Sennheiser Range of headsets always deliver as far as sound quality is concerned, but when it comes to gaming headsets, the approach tends to be a little more comprehensive

The Game Zero is a wired headset, available in two color schemes, black/red and white/red. It doesn't involve a lot of components, just the headset as far as the box is concerned. There is a provision for the headphone and the audio input plugs, both of which are colored. The cord is quite long, and hence, it can be moved around with ease. The coating is a better variety of plastic, which is a boon in the long run.

First impressions are always best impressions, Sennheiser knows this. As soon as you see the headset, be it the color scheme, or the design, the headset is aesthetically pleasing. The volume knob is attached on one side of the headset, which makes controlling the volume easy. The microphone is flexible, but is a little bulky. It can be moved up and down, and to mute it, all you have to do is move the microphone all the way up until you hear a click sound. The earphone padding is leather, and is probably the softest padding available on any headset. The head band also is soft leather, and takes away all of the clamp force. It fits beautifully, and is extremely comfortable. The headset in itself is very flexible, and can be twisted and bent without damaging any components. Durability is definitely an added advantage for the Game Zero.

The sound quality is crisp. But the Game Zero has one primary issue. The mids are toned out evenly, and hence the output seems very empty. It seems like something's missing, and the finer sounds aren't very clear. The bass reception is excellent, but it lacks detail. It does seem like a compromise on the quality that is usually on offer as far as Sennheiser is concerned, and the criticism is probably justified. Having said that, if it is judged on the overall delivery, it is pretty decent. The microphone, however, is of exceptional quality, and almost matches to the quality offered by external microphones. Clear and lucid, it is a big plus.

Sennheiser Game Zero verdict

The Sennheiser Game Zero is definitely a serious proposition. It's a comfortable, durable and sturdy product. Its design will seduce you and overall it is a pretty decent gaming headset for the price.

The ATH-PDG1 is designed to provide comfort and quality to the gamers but does not carry any of the sophisticated features of the pricier H Wireless. Even if the ATH-PDG1 is not as comfortable as the H Wireless or the PC 363D, the comfort provided is better than many other headsets on the market. The headphone has an open-air design with large ear-cups made with plastic and padded with soft leather. The headbands are metallic and with leather padding. The metal and plastic combination makes the headphones really light, making it comfortable for long hours of gaming. The ATH-PDG1 has a detachable microphone and is also packed with easy mute and volume controls.

The ATH-PDG1 headsets are packaged with three cables: a long 1.2m cable with goose neck microphone, another 2m extension cable for PC and a detachable Smartphone cable of 1.2m length with its own microphone and volume controls which will allow the headset to work as on-the-go headphones for your Smartphone. The boom microphone provides clear voice signals when you’re your game. Though not detailed, the sound quality of the headsets is clear with excellent accuracy. Compared to the H Wireless and PC 363D, the ATH-PDG1 provides a lower sound isolation so you are not completely mute to the outer world when you are playing.

Audio Technica ATH-PDG1 : final thoughts

If you are looking for comfort and good sound quality and not much sophistication and features, the ATH-PDG1 can make a good gaming headset. Its sound quality, smartphone compatibility and removable microphone make them an excellent all-around choice if you want a good gaming headset that can be used as on the go headphones.

High-End gaming headsets reviews

SteelSeries H Wireless : the best wireless headset for gaming

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With a 7.1 Dolby Surround sound that delivers crystal clear audio, the SteelSeries H Wireless is the ultimate wireless headset for gaming. The H Wireless is from the very successful H Series headset line of SteelSeries. It is designed with a wireless headset and features just about everything needed in a headset for gaming. Marketed as Wireless and Limitless, this headset is designed professionally with cutting edge features. This headset marks its place in this list by addressing the three major hassles in a wireless headset – Sound Quality, Latency and Autonomy. It gives you professional audio quality, low latency and limitless battery with its swappable dual battery feature.

The H Wireless is flexible, comfortable, customizable and versatile with a stunning design and beautiful display. It has the typical SteelSeries look with complete matte black on most of the headset and orange on the inner ear cup and stitching. This is a closed up headset and this ensures you are completely mute to the world outside your game. The headband and the ear cups have a very soft foam padding that makes this comfortable for long gaming sessions. It is just not the look and feel of this H Wireless headset that you will fall for but there are many other nice cool touches that make this headset sophisticated. It has a retractable microphone with mute light and a control wheel on the side. They allow you to adjust volume and navigate through the settings on the base station remotely. This gives you the freedom to move around controlling it from wherever you are.

The SteelSeries H wireless is lag free as it uses continuous frequency hopping technology to prevent any interference. When other headsets wait for detecting interferences, the H Wireless completely avoids it. It uses three different Dolby technologies that help delivering uncompromising audio quality. It has a fixed audio stream that gives you consistent and smooth audio with low latency.

This headset is versatile as it can work with any of your gaming and entertainment platforms. It is compatible with PC/Mac, Xbox 360, PS3/4, Apple TV, Roku, home entertainment and all mobile devices. Another feature that makes H Wireless the best is its swappable dual battery technology feature. It comes with two 20-hours Li-Ion battery which you can swap and change within seconds and play limitless games without having to stop for battery charging. You can customize features and fine tune audio using a five-band equalizer to adjust the sound to your preferences.

SteelSeries H Wireless : final thoughts

Priced at $300, the SteelSeries H Wireless is the best bet if you are looking for the best gaming headset. Enjoy high end surround sound, limitless play with controls that you can configure from your headset. It is premium. If you love your game then the SteelSeries H Wireless is the gaming headset you should settle for!

Astro Gaming A50 wireless, best high-end sound quality

The Astro A50 Wireless is mostly a headset designed by the company for those wanting to expand the reach of the headset, and to reduce the number of external components required to connect the headset to your console or your PC.

The A50 Wireless comes packaged with the headset and the wireless unit, which is usually connected to a power source, which is in turn connected to other components and consoles via an optical port and a USB port. This is a downside, simply because keeping the headset powered on at all times is an inconvenience.

The build quality is sturdy, made of smooth plastic, and looks decent. However, one nagging worry is the two little cables that stick out from the headband. While the same was present on the Astro T40 as well, this isn't a problem in the long run, for the cable quality is pretty solid.

One major advantage with the A50 is the customisability right on the ear cups. What you can do is adjust the volume, and switch between audio modes with the flick of a button. The volume button is annoying. To change volume, you'd have to press somewhere close to 50 times for the full range. The left ear cup has a USB port to connect it for charging, and a 2.5 mm jack for Xbox Live char purposes, the cable of which must be bought separately. The earphones are cloth, and as always, they're an absolute pleasure to play with for long hours. The microphone isn't customisable, as in, it cannot be moved to the left or the right unlike the A40. It can be muted by moving it all the way up until it gives out a click sound, which is quite effective. The ear back is mostly closed, and hence it offers a more immersive experience

The sound is customisable in three modes, Media, Core and Pro. The Media mode offers a large bass boost, which sadly drowns out a large portion of the other sounds. The Core mode flattens and evens out other sounds, and offers a richer experience. The Pro mode offers a treble boost, discerning very minute sounds in the process, be it footsteps, or any other sounds. At larger volumes, there was absolutely no distortion whatsoever, and the A50 delivered without so much as a glitch

Astro A50 wireless verdict

Priced around $300, this is a more serious option for those looking for rich in-game sound experience, and hence, to those looking for a comprehensive option as far as sound quality goes, the A50 is the best bet.

Sennheiser PC 363D, excellent headset for gaming

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If you are a PC gamer, then the Sennheiser PC 363D with its EAR technology can make a good choice as the best headset for you. This German engineered, PC 363D noise blocking headset boasts of delivering 7.1 virtual surround sound with its Dolby headphones technology. Unlike the H wireless, the PC 363D is for PC gaming only and if you are an ﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Xbox One or PS4 gamer then this Sennheiser model is not the one you should settle with.

The PC 363D might have the same elegant design as its predecessor, the 350SE, there are small improvements that make it a higher end model. With Sennheiser colour scheme of black and gunmetal grey, this PC 363D headset is designed to give utmost comfort for gaming. The headset has large XXL velvet ear pads that are super soft and its open ear design lets air flow in through the slots on the aluminum ear-cups. So you will not get sticky with sweat around your ears even after hours of gaming. The headband is broad and well adjustable. Weighing at about 312g this headset is light on you, allowing you to enjoy comfortable long gaming hours. The mute upon lift boom microphone and the dial volume control on the ear-cups makes this PC 363D very convenient to use. The cables are long enough to not be a problem when you are wearing.

The Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement technology in the PC 363D headset will channel the signals directly into your ear, delivering fantastic audio clarity. The Dolby technology 7.1 channel surround produces an audio experience that is detailed and effective giving you a realistic feel. The virtual 7.1 surround sound with the 3D G4ME1 sound card creates a realistic surround sound experience. If your PC does not have a decent sound card then the PC363D headset will take care of that with its 3D G4ME1 sound card that will let you enjoy complete 7.1 surround sound. The microphone is designed with noise cancellation technology to enable clear and precise voice clarity.

Sennheiser PC 363D : final thoughts

With excellent sound and voice clarity, the PC 363D is one of the best headset in market today. Sure it is not wireless like the H Wireless and does not sport any sophisticated feature, but excellent audio and microphone capabilities make it a perfect choice for PC gamers and for its sheer excellence in quality we can consider this as one of the best gaming headsets of 2016.

How to choose your gaming headset

We know that choosing a good headset for gaming is not an easy task and we understand that you might still have few questions on regarding which headset to choose for your gaming sessions. There are lots of things to consider when buying a headset for gaming and here we are listing the factors that you should keep your attention on before choosing your headset.

What to look at in a gaming headset ?

Compatibility

The first thing to check out is if the headset be compatible with your gaming system. Not all headsets can work with all gaming platforms. So it is important that you choose one that will work with your PC or console.

Nowadays, constructors tend to make more versatile models that will work on as many platforms as you can imagine but you might end up with a headset that works on your gaming PC but not on your PS4.

Our advice is to go for all-rounders. You are likely to buy a headset for a couple of years and it would be sad to end up with a good gaming headset you can’t use because it’s not compatible with what you have.

Sound Quality

We buy gaming headsets to enjoy better sound effects and to connect with our game deeper. If the sound offered is not good, there is no immersion and it could affect our gaming experience. Good Sound quality becomes a basic criteria for selecting your gaming headset.

There are lots of new Dolby technology surround sound featured headsets on the market that offer sound effects that will create a superior gaming experience. Some even offer 7.1 or 5.1 surround sound quality. Obviously, these features are pricey but in terms of immersion, they are well worth the extra bucks! With 5.1 channels audio signals, you get 6 speakers around your ear-cups and with 7.1 you get 8!

Just imagine your gaming sessions with the sound coming from everywhere at 360°. You can hear footsteps in your back, guns fired far on the right … It brings the immersion to a whole new level. The bass plays an important role as well, just picture a gun fired next to you in your game with a good bass headset.

Again, there are games that do not need and don’t provide surround effects at all ; if you play such games then a basic stereo headset can make a good choice for you. It all comes down on what you need but my guess is that if you are reading it, you want the best headset with everything we talked about.

Microphone quality

Some games require you to communicate with other players and in that case a good built in microphone is essential for your game. A headset with microphone that provides clear and concise reception is the one you should go for. If the headset you choose does not have a good microphone then there is no point in selecting it.

Make sure that your microphone does not pick up unwanted noises. Headsets that offer noise cancellation feature will ensure that. With this feature, they block any background noise and cancel it off. So even in a crowded place full of people, your game takes in only your voice and not the noises behind.

Comfort

Your comfort plays an important role in your game. Gaming sessions can go on for hours and it is essential to be sure to not suffer from wearing your gaming headset. If you feel squeezed up wearing your headset, then you are sure to be disturbed when playing. So chose a headset that is comfortable enough and will let you play for long hours.

You should look for headsets that offer a nice and soft padding, big ear cups that can fit your entire ears and a good adjustable headband. The weight of your headset is something you should look at. You definitely don’t want to end up wearing an overweight headset for hours

Durability

As with everything, when we make a purchase of a precious item like a good gaming headset, we are buying it for at least a few years. Durability is an important factor that you should consider before purchasing your headset. Pick a model that will work well for many years.

Headsets made with quality materials have a longer lifespan. Cheap plastic quality headphones or a headset which has headbands screwed to ear-cups break easily. In few models the cables will not be good enough to remain intact for years. Look for a headset made with robust materials like aluminum and you will be good for a couple of year of gaming.

Sure, robust gaming headsets are pricier than the cheap ones but the extra price guaranty that your headset will last longer.

Opened vs closed headsets

Closed headsets completely seal you off from external world. They have solid cups around speaker and ear piece which will mute the outside noises completely. It is two way. The outside world cannot hear your game too. So closed headsets are for people who need complete isolation when they are playing their games.

Open headsets are the ones with perforated ear cups. Designed in a manner to keep your ears cool, these headsets have their advantages too. Few gamers share an opinion that the sound quality is better with an open air design as the sound remains natural. But these headsets let outside noise flow in and also your game sounds will be audible to the people around you.

Bluetooth/wireless headsets

Why staying wired when you can go wireless? It is not that simple. Wireless headphones have their cons too if they are not good enough. While they provide you with lot of flexibility and convenience, cheaper models do not provide complete hassle free communication. The reception of Bluetooth signals may not work well and often your headset might not pick signals from transmitter. Also the battery might not last long enough and you might have to go wired to refill.

Most high end wireless overcome all the mentioned hassle and will let you play for longer hours. They make a better choice anytime.

Final words

We know how important your game is to you. A quality headset is not just an accessory but is an essential tool for a 100% gaming experience. Full immersion with good sound and microphone will give a new life to your game experience.

You have now more knowledge on what to look for when choosing a headset for your gaming sessions. Be ready to bring your gaming reflexes to new heights and defeat your competitors !